Noise and air pollution in Glen Austin
GLEN AUSTIN – John Nyambi, spokesperson for Region A Environmental Health Department said that follow-up inspections would be done to ascertain that the activities were ceased by the company.
Some of the Glen Austin residents are appealing for help following several months of reporting a steel business located next to their homes.
They claimed the business was allegedly causing noise and air pollution. Residents told the Midrand Reporter on August 19 that when they bought their properties, they were told that Glen Austin was zoned for agricultural projects alone.
However, residents claim that lately, people buying land in Glen Austin do not adhere to the by-laws. Neighbours Rahaba Mokhothu and Angie Phoofolo shared their disappointment. “We have a neighbour who has now joined forces with Dragon Construction, running a massive commercial steel construction project working with thousands of containers,” said Phoofolo.
“The noise coming from their equipment and chemical smells is unbearable and was a threat to our health.”
Phoofolo said they reported the matter to the environmental municipal offices whose representatives came to the area along with the local councillor. The residents association also invited the Johannesburg municipal office officials, however, they claimed nothing was done to help them. Chairperson of the Glen Austin Residents Association (Gara) John Mphatsoe confirmed that when this issue was brought to their attention, they acted on it immediately.
The Midrand Reporter reached out to the owner of the property, Anele Ndlovu, who chose to speak on behalf of both the business leasing his property (Dragon Construction) and himself as the property owner. Ndlovu said there was no air pollution from the work that was being done from his yard.
He said all they did was cut and convert containers into living units for their client and ship them out and when their contract comes to an end, it will be the end of it.
“I did approach all my neighbours to inform them about my intention to do these containers, and they were okay with it. Not sure what changed,” he added.
Region A Environmental Health Department spokesperson John Nyambi confirmed that an inspection was done at the property on March 10 this year.
Nyambi added that all the non-compliances of the premises were identified and explained to the owner of the property. “A statutory notice dated 15 March was served on the owner of the property. They promised to complete the work by the end of August 2021, and that by September 1 they will start clearing the premises,” said Nyambi.
He added that follow-up inspections would be done to ascertain that the activities were ceased as promised by the owners of the leasing company.
However, on September 3, the Midrand Reporter learned that operations had not yet stopped. On September 6, Nyambi said that they would, as a department, see if operations were still ongoing.
